An illustration showing Emirates aircraft on a global map.
Middle East

Emirates Faces New Headwinds

Middle East

Emirates Faces New Headwinds

November 2025
24 min read
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat

Skift Take

The Dubai Airshow returns this week, and once again Emirates steps into the spotlight – but the landscape has shifted dramatically since its 2013 shopping spree. The carrier faces tighter airport constraints, delayed next-generation aircraft, and intensifying competition. Yes, Emirates remains financially strong and is buoyed by Dubai’s global appeal, but complacency isn’t an option. In this week’s feature story, we explore how the airline may choose to adapt as challenges mount.

Issue Overview

The Dubai Airshow returns this week, and once again Emirates steps into the spotlight – but the landscape has shifted dramatically since its 2013 shopping spree. The carrier faces tighter airport constraints, delayed next-generation aircraft, and intensifying competition. Yes, Emirates remains financially strong and is buoyed by Dubai’s global appeal, but complacency isn’t an option. In this week’s feature story, we explore how the airline may choose to adapt as challenges mount.